Porto Rotondo
Olbia, Sardinia
Located along Sardinia’s buzzy northeastern coast, Porto Rotondo is an upscale resort town. Adjacent to the Emerald Coast, the area is glitzy enough to have attracted the likes of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has a villa nearby. W But while it's still pretty posh, these days Porto Rotondo doesn’t just cater to jet-setters; you’ll find plenty of amenities for regular folk, too.
The basics
Porto Rotondo is famous for its pristine coastline, so the top activity in these parts is hitting the beach. Contenders for best sandy stretch include the main beach of Spiaggia Rudargia, also the resort's longest, and the classically Mediterranean Cala Sabina, with its white sand and juniper trees. You can also grab a meal or gelato in Porto Rotondo’s Venetian-style piazza or embark on a boat tour to the nearby archipelago of La Maddalena.
Things to know before you go
- Porto Rotondo is known for its nightlife, so hang around after hours if you’re interested in hitting up a bar or nightclub. Many have strict dress codes, so you'll need to wear smart clothes and leave the flip-flops behind.
- Don’t be tempted to take home a seashell or pebble from the beach as a souvenir. Picking up anything from the coastlines—including sand—is strictly forbidden. Authorities won’t hesitate to fine tourists who do.
- Get a peek at the lifestyles of the rich (and sometimes, even the famous) at Porto Rotunda’s yacht-filled marina, which is a great spot for people-watching.
- Sun exposure can be intense, so bring a good sun cream with an SPF higher than 30 and a hat. Drink lots of water and don’t get dehydrated, especially if drinking cocktails.
How to get there
The closest port and airport is in Olbia, a 30-minute drive south of Porto Rotondo. Ferries arrive from Civitavecchia, Livorno, and several other areas on the Italian mainland. There are many direct flights from the UK, Germany, and elsewhere in Europe. Buses are infrequent in Sardinia, so rent a car if you plan on traveling around the island.
When to get there
There are two ideal seasons for visiting Porto Rotondo and the rest of Sardinia’s northeastern coast. The first is in late spring (May–June) when weather conditions are sunny and warm but the crowds haven’t yet hit. The other is September–early October, when vacationers have mostly left but the island enjoys a lingering summer. Avoid August, when Italians flock to beaches, especially the Ferragosto public holiday on August 15.
How to visit Sardinia’s northernmost island chain
With its golden inlets and unique Mediterranean flora, La Maddalena is one of the most impressive destinations in Sardinia—and on an island heralded for its beauty, that’s saying something. To visit, either take the ferry from Palau (reachable from Porto Rotondo in under an hour by car) or sign up for a private or small-group boat tour, which often include beverages and snacks. Don't miss stunning beaches like the famed Spiaggia Rosa, which is inaccessible but still visible from the shore.
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